Game Anglia 2026 Festival was held on Friday 6 February 2026 at the University of Suffolk. The festival has been running for nine years, with the single purpose of: bringing everyone together to celebrate the games industry in the East of England.
Ellie, Norwich Games Festival Producer at The Forum, attended the event as a judge for the Student Showcase, alongside industry professionals Rebecca Halfhide, Project Coordinator of Connected Innovation and Laurence Oldham, Head of Design at independent video game developer and publisher Frontier Developments. Ellie was both surprised and delighted to be named this year’s recipient of the brand new award.
The award holds particular significance for Ellie, who first attended Game Anglia in 2024 after transitioning from a 15‑year career in education. Reflecting on the recognition, she shared her gratitude for the supportive community that made the moment so meaningful.
“I’m incredibly honoured and still buzzing,” said Ellie. “It means the world to be recognised by a community I respect so much. I want to thank everyone involved in the selection process and the brilliant team behind Game Anglia.”
She added:
“The games and tech community in this region is incredibly welcoming and collaborative. It’s a joy to work with educators, industry organisations, charities, funders, and creators who are shaping such a vibrant future for games in the East.”
Ellie extended special thanks to Chris Filip, Mark Backler, and Samuel Read‑Graves, as well as the broader Game Anglia team for their leadership and commitment to supporting the region’s growing games industry.
The Forum Norwich revived Norwich Games Festival post‑pandemic and appointed Ellie as the Event Producer in January 2024. She also highlighted the essential behind‑the‑scenes contributions of marketing lead Millie Batch, describing her as “the unseen hero behind it all.”
Further thanks were given to Norwich University of the Arts, lead partner for NGF, and Connected Innovation, whose sponsorship and year‑round guidance have helped strengthen the festival’s reach and impact.
Ellie celebrated the efforts of the Games in East Anglia group, whose monthly meetings bring together industry experts, educators, and community leaders dedicated to advancing the region’s games ecosystem. She credited the group’s collective knowledge and generosity as a driving force for positive change.
